Ahead of the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix weekend, Max Verstappen attributed McLaren’s mistakes as the key factor in keeping him in contention for the Formula 1 title. With another slip-up by McLaren on Sunday, they not only allowed Verstappen to stay in the race but also gave him a real opportunity to challenge a British driver on the final day.
Verstappen, who clinched his first F1 championship by overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi race, is now trailing Lando Norris by just 12 points as he aims for his fifth consecutive title. Oscar Piastri is four points behind Verstappen, setting up a thrilling three-way title showdown on the final day, a scenario not seen since 2010 when Sebastian Vettel staged a remarkable comeback to win the championship.
Verstappen expressed optimism about the upcoming race, drawing inspiration from Vettel’s historic victory in 2010. McLaren’s repeated blunders did not escape Verstappen’s notice, as evidenced by Red Bull’s strategic move to send Hannah Schmitz to the podium alongside Verstappen to collect the constructors’ trophy as a pointed response to McLaren’s failures.
Following McLaren’s disappointing outcome, team principal Andrea Stella and chief executive Zak Brown opted not to give interviews in the pit lane initially. Stella later emphasized that Norris would not receive preferential treatment despite the heightened threat from Verstappen. Piastri, though still in contention mathematically, acknowledged the slim odds against him in the championship race.
As the title race intensifies, Piastri’s chances rely heavily on Norris finishing sixth or lower, a scenario that seems improbable without a mechanical failure or accident. Verstappen’s victory in the upcoming race would only be enough if Norris finishes on the podium, solidifying his path to the championship.
Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested that Antonelli intentionally allowed Norris to pass, prompting conflicting viewpoints from Red Bull’s Helmut Marko and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. Despite the strategic maneuvers and controversies, the focus remains on the thrilling conclusion of the championship battle in the upcoming race.